Go Back
To make these tasty meatballs, you need: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper These simple ingredients come together to create a juicy and flavorful meatball. The ground chicken keeps the meatballs light, while the breadcrumbs and Parmesan add texture. Garlic and green onions give a fresh taste, and soy sauce brings in umami. For the sweet and savory sauce, gather: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil This sauce is the star of the dish. Honey offers sweetness, while soy sauce adds depth. Sesame oil introduces a nutty flavor that ties everything together. Garnishes can elevate your dish. Consider using: - Sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro leaves These garnishes add a pop of color and extra flavor. You can also serve the meatballs over rice or alongside veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy the mix of textures and tastes! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven. Set it to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps cook the meatballs evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step keeps the meatballs from sticking. In a large bowl, gather all the meatball ingredients. Combine 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Then, crack in 1 large egg. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix these ingredients well until they blend smoothly together. Now, use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place these meatballs on your lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each one. This space allows them to cook evenly. Once they are all on the sheet, put it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the meatballs turn golden brown. While the meatballs bake, it’s time to make the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, mix together 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it until it warms up, about 2 to 3 minutes. Do not let it boil. Once the meatballs are done, take them out of the oven. Move them to a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the hot meatballs. Toss them gently to coat evenly. Finally, transfer the coated meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy your meal! To make moist meatballs, always use fresh ground chicken. Fresh meat keeps moisture. Mixing in breadcrumbs and Parmesan helps too. The egg binds the mixture and adds moisture. Don't overmix the ingredients. Overmixing makes meatballs tough. Form the meatballs gently and keep them about one inch wide. This size cooks evenly and stays juicy. Prep ahead to save time. You can mix the meatball ingredients the night before. Shape them and store in the fridge. This makes cooking easier on busy days. Use a cookie scoop for quick and even portions. Also, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking. For even cooking, space the meatballs on the baking sheet. Leave about one inch between each ball. This way, hot air circulates around them. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking for better results. Check the meatballs with a food thermometer. They should reach 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give your meatballs a vibrant flavor that dried versions simply can't match. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or add more soy sauce to balance the flavors. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add herbs like parsley or basil for a different flavor profile and freshness. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Consider serving extra honey garlic sauce on the side as a delicious dipping sauce for the meatballs. {{image_2}} You can swap ground chicken for other meats. Ground turkey works well and has a similar taste. For a richer flavor, try ground beef. If you want a lighter option, ground pork is a great choice. You can even use ground lamb for a unique twist. For plant-based options, use lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them and mix with your favorite spices. While honey garlic sauce is a hit, you can explore other flavors. A teriyaki sauce adds a sweet, tangy kick. For a spicy touch, use a sriracha glaze. You can create a sweet-and-sour sauce with vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. If you love Asian flavors, try a hoisin sauce. Each sauce brings its own taste to the meatballs. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. You can also use ground nuts as a binder. For a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs altogether. Instead, add grated zucchini or cauliflower rice to the mixture. This keeps the meatballs moist and tasty. Always check labels for hidden gluten in sauces. After enjoying your honey garlic chicken meatballs, you can save the leftovers. Place any extra meatballs in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they stay fresh and tasty. Reheating meatballs is easy. You can use the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If using a microwave, put the meatballs on a safe plate. Heat them for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they are warm throughout. Freezing meatballs is a great option for later meals. To freeze, first, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for 1-2 hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use ground turkey. It has a mild flavor similar to chicken. The texture will be slightly different, but the meatballs will still taste great. Just follow the same recipe for mixing and baking. You might enjoy a leaner option with ground turkey. To add heat to the sauce, include red pepper flakes or sriracha. Start with a small amount and taste it. You can always add more if you want extra spice. Another option is to mix in some chopped jalapeños for a fresh kick. These meatballs pair well with many sides. You can serve them over jasmine rice or with steamed broccoli. They also taste great in a wrap or on a bed of mixed greens. Feel free to drizzle extra sauce on top for more flavor. Cooked meatballs last about three to four days in the fridge. Be sure to store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. We explored how to make tasty honey garlic chicken meatballs. You learned about key ingredients, easy steps, and useful tips. Don't forget to try different proteins and sauces for fun new flavors. Remember to store leftovers well and reheat them properly. This dish can fit your diet, too. Whether you serve them as a snack or a meal, these meatballs are sure to please. Enjoy creating your own delicious version!

Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs

Delicious chicken meatballs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (for the sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • none Sesame seeds for garnish
  • none Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, egg, soy sauce, grated ginger, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each meatball for even cooking.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir until the mixture is heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Do not boil.
  • Once the meatballs are done cooking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the meatballs and gently toss until they are well coated.
  • Transfer the coated meatballs to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves for added flavor and color.

Notes

Serve the meatballs over a bed of jasmine rice or alongside steamed broccoli for a complete meal. Drizzle extra honey garlic sauce over the top and add a few lime wedges for a zesty touch.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, meatballs